Monday, January 27, 2014

This past Saturday I, along with my race coach Scott Johnston and Alan Watson, led a very successful technique clinic here in Mazama. Despite some very un-wintry weather and conditions the clinic saw full attendance (there was even a wait-list) and we were able to have great tracks (thanks, MVSTA!) at Klipchuck Campground about five miles from Mazama proper. With a diverse array of participants I split the clinic into three groups and we divided the day into skate and classic sessions, with time in between for talks on technique theory and to eat some delicious sandwiches from the Mazama Store.

My philosophy on technique, as with all types of training, is to provide information that justifies my teaching. I've found you'll get a lot more buy-in from folks when they can really understand WHY something works best a certain way, and then when they feel it out in practice it locks in better. With that in mind I structured this clinic to include some lecture before each session, to illustrate through words and media the technique which Scott, Alan and I wanted to impart.

I think that everyone left with some ideas to work on and hopefully a great enthusiasm for the sport; big thank-yous go out to our sponsors Helly Hansen, who provided some swag for the day, and Madshus Skis and Chad Willems, who came and provided demo equipment at the trailhead for both clinic participants and the general public: best skis in the world!

Friday, November 22, 2013

It certainly feels like fall is gone, with temperatures nearing the single digits when we get up. Sam spent a week with our friendly neighbors to the north at Silver Star, and heads to West Yellowstone this afternoon to get some more good training time on snow before the first race of the season held there next weekend. Meanwhile, I'm as excited for winter as I ever have been. Sam and Nikki's love of the white stuff has finally rubbed off on me. I found a slammin' deal on a new backcountry setup, and while snow is accumulating in the big mountains, Nikki and I went up our beloved Cutthroat on my touring skis.

Nikki has been ready for winter for months. Nine months, to be exact.

I'll also be coaching little kiddos this year for the Nordic Team, which I'm really looking forward to. Today is a brilliant sunny, cold day and while it's lovely, I can't help but wish it were dumping snow right now. Hopefully when we're back from West Yellowstone after the holiday, we'll have skiing out the door. Until then, enjoy the sun, and do some snow dances.

Friday, October 11, 2013

This coming January we're excited to partner with Methow Olympic Development to offer our first day-long ski clinic, featuring three incredible coaches and some fantastic learning opportunities!

The Mazama Ski Clinic and Demo Day will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014, based at the Mazama Community Center. The clinic cost (lunch included) is $100, and for that you get top-flight instruction from our coaches:

Sam Naney - Methow Endurance coach/co-founder; current professional ski racerScott Johnston - Former US Ski Team member, current coach of Sam and the Methow Olympic Development racing teamAlan Watson - Former US Ski Team member and former University of Utah Head ski coach

The clinic will go from 9am - 3pm and will include a sandwich lunch provided by the delicious Mazama Store kitchens. We are limiting participation to the first twenty sign-ups to make sure we've got a great small-group feel, and will do our best to divvy up the groups by ability level so everyone gets the most focused attention. Focuses will include basic and advanced technique in both skate and classic, as well as more specialized instruction (as applicable) in up/downhills, cornering, and wax selection and application.

But that's not all...

We're also psyched to partner with Madshus Skis to offer equipment demos throughout the day. This demo is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC in addition to clinic participants. It will be a rare and exciting chance to try out the latest innovations from the World's foremost Nordic equipment manufacturer. Clinic participants who are anxious to take part in the demos should plan to arrive early to get set up with their demos before the 9am clinic start time.

Keep reading...

We'll also be handing out some uber-sweet Helly Hansen Nordic training apparel - only for clinic participants!

Again, we're limiting the participation to the first twenty signups; after that we'll start a waiting list and notify everyone of their status. So get there first and ensure your spot....

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Ladies, it's time to start thinking about a weekend
of fun! Fall may have just started, but it's never too early to start
daydreaming of skiing through beautifully groomed trails on a bluebird
day.

The 12th annual Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat at Sun Mountain Lodge!
Held February 28-March 2, 2014, this weekend is all about relaxing and
having fun with other women in the Methow's own winter wonderland.
Whether you are brand new to the sport or are an experienced skier,
there is something for everyone; our expert coaching team will help you
become more proficient in both skate and classic skiing in a friendly,
supportive environment.

Each day we'll start with
yoga practice, fuel for the day with a delicious breakfast, then have
morning and afternoon ski sessions (with a break for more delicious
food, of course) on portions of the 65 kilometers of beautifully groomed
ski trails Sun Mountain has to offer. Top it off with a post-ski
stretch, and relax with new friends.

During your free
time, sit with a good book at the fire; take in the beautiful mountain
views with a soothing soak in
the hot tub; or get a reviving massage for your tired muscles. With ski
and yoga instruction for every level, everyone can treat themselves to
this wonderful weekend.

Make sure to register early to ensure your spot! To register: complete this form and then pay by either mailing a check to the address below, or use your credit card or PayPal account by following the links under the Retreat info at our "Events" tab above.

Methow Endurance, PO Box 196,

Winthrop, WA, 98862

This retreat fills every year, so don't miss out! For any questions, email me at:

alison(at)methowendurance.com

Now bring on the snow!

Registration deadline is Friday, January 31, 2014. Please note, no refunds will be given after this date.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Mark your calendars on November 2nd for the 3rd Annual Methow Endurance Driveway Butte Hill Climb! Long regarded as a training standard for local and regional endurance athletes, Driveway Butte is a great way to test your summer fitness and see how you stack up against your friends and neighbors.

Starting at Klipchuck Campground, a mere ten minute drive from Mazama, the Hill Climb ascends over 1500ft in 2.5 miles to a beautiful notch in the ridge, offering spectacular views of the Washington Pass area and Silver Star peak. Not that you'll be looking...the climb is relentless, with nary a flat stretch from beginning to end. Given its late fall placement, the trail often has a thin layer of snow covering it, adding an element of challenge to the already lung-burning adventure...

The 2011 racer field at the finish

Get your legs ready for breaking trail in January!

This year we're excited to offer an additional category: Backcountry Skier! Wintertime in the Methow Valley is a magical time for vertical junkies, who earn their turns skinning up into the highest reaches of the North Cascades. To honor (and challenge) them, we're opening a "Backcountry Skier" category of the race, where racers must heft a standard load of backcountry ski (or snowboard) equipment up to the finish. Specifically, their gear must include the following:

The equipment can be carried in any fashion you wish, either on a pack or in hand, but it all must arrive at the finish with you. A one-minute penalty will be added for any missing piece!

This year's running should be the biggest yet, with anticipated athletes arriving from Seattle, Leavenworth, and British Columbia to join our local competitors. Registration is $15 for racers over 18 years of age, and $10 for under-18 year olds. There will be a $5 additional fee for day-of-race registration, which will be open from 7:30 to 8:15am.

Like all Methow Endurance events, a portion of the proceeds for the race will go to a local charity. For this year, we will be donating to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a local non-profit dedicated to helping provide Christmas food baskets and much-needed resources to local families in need during the holiday season.